Attic Insulation

What is attic insulation?

Attic insulation comes in a few forms. Fiberglass, cellulose, denim, and spray foam are all materials that homeowners and attic cleaning professionals use to insulate the attic space. Efficiency and pricing will vary from material to material. While fiberglass is a staple in the insulation market, spray foam is becoming more and more popular due to its ability to expand into holes and form air-tight seals that greatly increase energy efficiency. Due to its recycled nature, denim insulation has a following, as well.

Among these materials, closed-cell spray foam—the insulation that provides an air-tight seal—has a higher price point. Homeowners pay more upfront for this insulation, but over months and years, the energy savings will continue to add up.

Attic Insulation Installation

When building a new house, homeowners have the option to choose which insulation to install and what to have insulated. Minimal insulation might cover only the ceiling, for example, but the entire attic space can be incorporated into the building envelope (the house’s climate) by insulating the underside of the roof and sealing the attic space. Caulking and spray foam can be used to seal and insulate around pipes, ducts, vents, and wiring holes; and

Air ducts also can be insulated to keep the air moving through them conditioned. Often, this is not considered part of standard attic insulation, so an existing home may or may not have insulated ducts. A professional can provide an estimate for attic insulation that both includes and excludes extra services like duct insulation and extra sealing provided by spray foam.

Attic Insulation Removal and Replacement

Older, existing houses might need an attic overhaul. If the attic has not been maintained for years, or if water, pests, or other problems have caused damage in the attic, then old insulation may need to be removed and replaced.

Water and mold can damage wood and insulation. Just cleaning mold from the surface of wood may not be enough. If insulation surrounds the mold, then the insulation should be removed so that the surfaces underneath or behind it can be inspected for mold growth. The insulation may be clean, but all surrounding surfaces must be checked. If the insulation (the actual insulation or the backing materials (paper, etc.) does contain mold, then it should be removed. In the long run, replacing a section of insulation may be cheaper than leaving it in place and hoping that mold spores do not create more growth.

Pests can damage insulation as well. Rodents, especially, love to burrow into some insulations such as fiberglass, but smaller pests can cause problems as well. Pests and rodents will leave behind feces that cause bad air quality and holes in the insulation that defeat its purpose. Any insulation with signs of pest infestations should be removed and replaced. Just adding new insulation on top of it will not provide the best results, because odors will remain. Replacing the ruined insulation with a new, even layer will provide the best results for both insulation and air quality.

Insulation removal and replacement in both of these situations is the smart thing to do. Mold and pests create foul odors and bad air quality, which can be pulled into the home through drafts. Replacing damaged areas with clean insulation keeps the attic healthy and your family healthy.

Attic Insulation Audit

In Snohomish and Skagit counties, professionals provide home attic audits for all of your insulation needs. They will…

  • Look for signs of existing mold and pest infestations
  • Look for signs of insulation damage from any mold and pests
  • Suggest any remediation and exclusion services to help prevent future mold and pest infestations
  • Remove ruined insulation
  • Give you different insulation options to help best meet your needs
  • Install the new attic insulation

When you contact us and meet your attic cleaning professionals, you can rest assured knowing that your attic will be squared away and properly maintained. Your home will have fewer drafts, and your home’s climate will be more regulated.

Consistent and desired room temperatures and better air quality all await. Contact us and keep your home comfortable for years to come!

 

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